The entire optical profession will soon unite under one roof at Optrafair for three days of inspiration and the opportunity to source the very latest products across the sector. Visitors can browse an exhibition hall filled with some of the leading companies in the industry, many of whom have not attended any other UK event.

The education programme at Optrafair will focus on providing multiple, invaluable educational opportunities for every visitor no matter what their role in optical practice.

Sessions are available in the ABDO theatre, Business theatre and the CET Theatre and as well as the theatres, whilst browsing the show floor on-stand CET will be available with interactive, partner-led workshops.

Business Theatre sessions include;

• GDPR - Getting your practice readyGrant Cardwell, XEYEX

• How to deal with annoying people without annoying them and risking negative word of mouthGavin Rebello, STORM

• Understanding your TEAM and getting the best out of themDavid Mack, SightCare Group

Sessions will run throughout all three days of the show, allowing attendees to hear the latest bdevelopments in clinical practice, technology and business practice, with sessions packed with discussion and debate from some of the most well-known and authoritative experts in their field.

Conference sessions will provide inspiration and a fresh outlook on how to improve individual business performance with brand new ideas.

Blue Light risk, a hazard or is it a problem invented by the rest of the world outside the UK?

PHN wants to question again the denial made by the College of Optometrists in December 2016 following a story broadcast by the BBC Watchdog Program which claimed “Blue Light” issues as bogus and scaremongering. The following day the College e-blasted its members with the following quote:

“There is no reliable evidence to say that using devices emitting blue light causes any permanent damage to eyes or eyesight. However, it may make users with pre-existing vision defects more aware of them. Blue light sources encountered indoors are unlikely to approach unsafe exposure limits, even for extended viewing times, and the eye possesses natural defences to mitigate blue light damage.”

We are now more than a year down the road from that swift defensive reaction on behalf of the profession and yet anyone who has read articles worldwide both scientific and health guidance as well as anyone attending vision conferences both in Europe and the USA will know that the subject and its possible consequences have far from gone away.

On Opchat news we want to know your views on whether there is a risk from Blue Light on the eye and the body or not and how you deal with patient questions or educate them on the subject.

We will be publishing the Big Blue Light Survey for you to complete next week online and sending it to our 4500 registered opticians on this site. If you receive our email fortnightly update you will receive the survey or if not you can register free now to do so.

We have created a page of information on the Blue Light Debate in our clinical briefing area here which you might like to read before answering the survey questions.

We also have advance notice that the issue will be the basis of a keynote lecture on April 14th at Optrafair given by Professor John Marshall 12.300 to 13.30

The entire optical profession will soon unite under one roof at Optrafair for three days of inspiration and opportunity to source the very latest products across the sector. Browse an exhibition hall filled with some of the most leading companies in the industry, some of which have not attended any other UK event. The education programme at Optrafair will focus on providing multiple, invaluable educational opportunities for every visitor.

Education at Optrafair will be available in the ABDO theatre, Business theatre and the CET Theatre. As well as this, whilst browsing the show floor, on-stand CET will be available with interactive, partner-led workshops.

• What do we know about blue light?
Professor John Marshall - 2 interactive CET Points

• Smoothing out a bumpy ride in oculoplastics: lids lumps and bumps, when to treat and when to refer
Raj Das-Bhaumik - 1 interative CET Point

• To refer or not to refer. That is the question
Simon Browning - 1 interactive CET Point

Visit the website to view the programmes in full by linking from the Optrafair page.

Sessions will run throughout all three days of the show, allowing attendees to hear the latest business insight, with sessions packed with discussion and debate from some of the most well-known and authoritative experts in their field. Conference sessions will provide inspiration and a fresh outlook on how to improve individual business performance with brand new ideas, all whilst gaining a host of CET points.

Expert advice on subjects including astigmatism, presbyopia, fitting of irregular corneas and dry eye disease will be on offer as part of a specialist ‘hub’ dedicated to contact lenses at this year’s Optrafair.

The Contact Lens Hub – to be co-hosted by the British Contact Lens Association – will provide delegates with a one-stop shop for all queries about how they can get the most out of contact lenses and the management of ocular surface health.

Working with partners Alcon and CooperVision, the BCLA will be staging a number of informative sessions throughout the three-day event, providing an invaluable opportunity to top up your CET points.

Jonathan Bench from Alcon will look at the subjects of Presbyopia and Contact lenses and will lead a session called ‘Handle with Care’. Gurraj Jabal from CooperVision will host a session on Astigmatism and Contact lenses.

Meanwhile, Josie Barlow from Menicon will present a session entitled ‘Don’t Make Mountains out of Mole Hills’ while Professor Christine Purslow from Thea Pharmaceuticals will host ‘Not A Dry Eye in the House’.

BCLA president Keith Tempany said: “The dedicated Contact Lens Hub provides us with an opportunity to assemble a team of the very best speakers from across the industry and help delegates be more confident with contact lenses, getting them up to date with the very latest research and best practice.

“With technology evolving at such an unprecedented rate, it’s more vital than ever that eye care professionals are aware of what’s available to them to ensure their patients are given the best possible treatment.

“These lectures, workshops and peer review sessions will give people the information they need to make a real difference in everyday practice.”

Feedback from last year’s Optrafair revealed a demand for more contact lens resources and the dedicated CL Hub, held in association with partners Alcon, CooperVision and associate partners Menicon and Thea Pharmaceuticals, will provide that – with a three day programme of activities, talks and workshops.

Free to attend, the full BCLA Contact Lens Hub programme sessions are now available to book at www.bcla.org.uk.

'The Manchester Eyeball is an annual event held at the University of Manchester and it is the biggest social event of the year for Optometry Students. It caters to the whole cohort, staff and students alike and it is hosted by the current OpSoc.

This year, there were 150 guests and we managed to raise £270 for Vision Aid Overseas thanks to your wonderful donation.'

"It was wonderful to see Louis Stone joining in and donating such an amazing prize for the charity raffle. It went down very well with the optometry students attending. The favours they donated were also a big hit as everybody loved the bottle openers in the shape of spectacles!" - Ahmad Kassir, Inclusions Officer

"Winning the prize was very helpful as now I have flippers and cross cyl lenses which can help me focus on certain areas of a sight test which I am weaker at in my free time. The quality of these lenses was also far better than I expected." - Hassan Arain, First Year

'I just want to thank you again for everything you provided, the giveaways made the tables look fantastic and prize was amazing!' - Manchester OpSoc

The significance of macular nutrition for good eye health comes into sharp focus at Optrafair with a CET lecture from Professor John Nolan, BSc, PhD, who leads international research in this field.

Sponsored by Heidelberg Engineering, the insight into current understanding of macular pigment significance takes place on Sunday 15th April at the NEC, Birmingham show. Places are booking up fast so registering is recommended via www.optrafair.co.uk/education/cet-theatre

Following several years of research, Professor Nolan will share his internationally respected findings of how the macular pigment influences ocular health and cognitive function. Guidance on how to interpret clinical trial data and the impact on visual and cognitive performance will be covered, as well as how assessing macular nutrition could motivate patients to consider positive lifestyles changes.

Christopher Mody, Heidelberg Engineering Director of Clinical Affairs, explained,
“There is a lot of clinical noise about macular nutrition, but we are bringing to Optrafair a world class authority on the subject who will provide much needed clarity. Professor Nolan will summarise the novel protocol for using dual wavelength auto-fluorescence for assessing macular nutrition. Using data from the European Research Council funded CREST clinical trials he will make recommendations on using this knowledge to take a more holistic approach to patient care.”

Heidelberg Engineering will have a strong presence at Optrafair and its team of experts will be on hand to discuss all aspects of monitoring eye health from High Street optometry practices.

A specialist course dedicated to Optical Assistants, focusing on the ‘ins and outs’ of applying lenses, will make a welcome return at this year’s BCLA UK.

The all-day session, to be run by Sarah Morgan, will be held on both days of the event – being staged in London and Birmingham later this year.

Optical Assistants will be able to benefit from expert advice and pick up invaluable tips on how to ensure success for new lens wearers, while learning more about different lens types, cleaning solutions, why aftercare is so necessary and applying and removing soft and rigid contact lenses.

Sarah Morgan said: “Are you concerned about using up yet more chair time with teaching new wearers how to apply, remove and care for their lenses? This role is ideally suited to conscientious front-of-house staff and also elevates their role in the practice with contact lens wearers.

“Experience with new wearers makes staff more able to engage in questions about contact lenses when the practitioners is holed up in the consulting room.”

The course is suitable for any member of staff, especially those wanting to further their knowledge and expertise in contact lenses and to develop their skills for instructing patients on how to wear and care for their lenses.

Ensuring contact lens wearing success with children (and their parents!) is more important than ever and delegates will receive insight and guidance about how best to communicate with children and their parents during what can be a critical time in their introduction to contact lenses.

Registration is now open for the Optical Assistants course at www.bcla.org.uk . Spaces are limited, with early booking advised due to the expected high demand.

BCLA UK will be split over two cities for the first time this year, with the first session being held on Monday, 4 June at Conference Aston in Birmingham and the second scheduled for Sunday, 10 June at IET Savoy in London.

Visit www.bcla.org.uk/events to register for BCLA UK, which will feature a series of hand-on workshops, lectures and discussions to prepare eye care practitioners for the future.

Both BCLA UK and the Optical Assistants course are available for both members and non-members – the member rate is £99 plus VAT and £199 plus VAT for non-members for each event. Registration is now open at www.bcla.org.uk

Registration is now open for BCLA UK – with a series of hand-on workshops, lectures and discussions to support eye care professionals deliver the best possible care for their patients in the field of contact lenses and anterior eye.

The event will be split over two cities for the first time this year, with the first session being held on Monday, 4 June at Conference Aston in Birmingham and the second scheduled for Sunday, 10 June at IET Savoy in London.

The line-up includes a number of prestigious speakers, including Professor Phillip Morgan and Professor James Wolffsohn.

Lectures will feature audience participation within an interactive grading session, communication guidance for success with contact lenses for children and parents, and ‘aftercare; what has changed?’

An update will also be delivered on choosing the right contact lens material choice for the right patient.

A track dedicated to Ocular Surface Health will be delivered for the first time to support the newly launched Dry Eye Certificate. Spaces are limited and early booking is advised.

In addition to lectures and the Dry Eye track, a series of hands-on workshops will be staged at each event, including sessions on fitting irregular corneas to include keratoconus, success with presbyopia and how to include a focus on fitting kids in your practice.

BCLA president Keith Tempany said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing BCLA UK to more people than ever before this year.

“The two-site format will give eye care practitioners from across the country the opportunity to access the very latest information and advice on the biggest issues affecting the profession, preparing you for the future and making a real difference to your patients.

“We are putting together a comprehensive programme of interactive, hands-on learning with a high-quality team of world-renowned experts. Demand is likely to be high so we recommend booking early to reserve your spot at what promises to be the must-attend event of the year.”

The event will also feature a strong focus on the BCLA dry eye certificate while Sarah Morgan will run a dedicated Optical Assistants course. This course is bookable separately to the main event and spaces are limited, with advance booking recommended.

CET points will be available across the programme.

Both BCLA UK and the Optical Assistants Course are available for both members and non-members – the member rate is £99 plus VAT and £199 plus VAT for non-members for each event. Registration is now open at www.bcla.org.uk

The University of Manchester, together with Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH), has been accredited as a provider of the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma by the College of Optometrists. The course aims to prepare optometrists to participate in formal referral filtering and ocular hypertension (OHT)/suspect chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG) monitoring schemes and will be the first higher qualification available to optometrists at the university.

Jackie Martin, Director of Education at the College of Optometrists, said: “It’s exciting to accredit The University of Manchester/MREH with their first higher qualification, and to make a glaucoma qualification available to optometrists in the area. The College’s higher qualifications allow optometrists to take full advantage of opportunities to deliver community services and they are proving very popular. This is the tenth higher qualification in glaucoma that is available to optometrists across the UK. The courses are all designed to fit in with the lives of busy professionals, with the aim that they enable optometrists to develop professionally and progress in their careers.”

Dr Catherine Porter, Senior Lecturer in Optometry at the University of Manchester said: “I’m delighted that we have been accredited for the College’s Professional Certificate in Glaucoma. Our students will have the opportunity to undertake a mini placement at MREH in the optometrist led glaucoma clinics. The profession is well placed to extend beyond its traditional role and courses such as the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma enable optometrists to do so. We welcome applications from Optometrists, orthoptists, nurse practitioners and any other health care professionals working in an extended glaucoma role.”

The Professional Certificate in Glaucoma is part of a growing collection of higher qualifications developed by the College to enable optometrists to provide extended services in key areas such as contact lens practice, paediatrics, low vision and medical retina. Courses are undertaken on a part-time basis and are designed to fit with life in a busy practice or hospital department.

For more general information about College-accredited higher qualifications, visit the College website.

Optrafair is delighted to welcome the professions to attend the UK's flagship optical event a firm favourite since 1978.

For four decades, the entire community of practitioners, suppliers and educators have chosen Optrafair to help eye care professionals expand their knowledge through CET, explore ground-breaking new products and services and develop their businesses.

Optrafair 2018 will will be brimming with new exhibitors, features and exclusive content you will not find at any other UK show.

Here's just a taster for the 2018 event:

‘Eyeing an exit strategy can be good for business’ - find out what the future holds at Optrafair

It’s essential that independent practice owners know what lies ahead for their business – and advice sessions will be held at Optrafair to help delegates plan for the future.
Come and meet the experts that can help you plan.

Hear more about audiology at Optrafair

Eye care professionals interested in expanding their practice to include an audiology offering can find out by speaking to industry experts at this year’s Optrafair.

Finance for Opticians across the UK

As one of the leading optical finance specialist in the UK, Snowbird Finance have experience in providing finance for opticians across the United Kingdom join them at Optrafair of contact them for a one to one meeting at a time that suits you.

Contact lens hub to be a highlight of Optrafair

A specialist ‘hub’ dedicated to all things contact lenses will be co-hosted by the BCLA at this year’s Optrafair – giving delegates a one-stop shop for all queries about how they can get the most out of lenses.

The recent success of 100% Optical has firmly secured its place as the UK's largest gathering for the optical community.

With 8,936 buyers, over 200 exhibitors, 13,200 sales data leads captured, more pre-arranged meetings and more accounts opened than ever before it is no surprise that the shows 2019 supplier floor plan is now over 50% sold.

Enquire now to increase your sales and book your preferred stand location at 100% Optical, taking place on 12 - 14 January 2019 at London's ExCeL.

At 100% Optical we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved and we look forward to working with you again.

Optrafair is delighted to welcome you to attend its exclusive education programme, now available to book.

Featuring a fresh line-up for 2018, Optrafair provides learning opportunities for the whole practice – whether it’s clinical CET to earn valuable points, hard-hitting advice to help grow your business or hands-on workshops, you will find everything you and your team need under one roof.

Register now and book your place to engage with the biggest names in optics including Prof John Marshall, Dr Thomas Gosling, Prof John Nolan, Simon Browning and many more across the CET Theatre, ABDO Theatre and the returning Business Theatre.

Learning extends to the show floor with On-stand CET from leading organisations such as Heidelberg, Haag Streit UK, Topcon, Carl Zeiss, Scope Opthalmics, Specsavers, BIB Ophthalmic Instruments and more.

With three education theatres, On-Stand CET and a floor full of exciting new features including the Fashion Catwalk, Independents' Lounge, sponsored by the National Eyecare Group and BCLA Contact Lens Hub – Optrafair 2018 is an event your entire team cannot afford to miss.

Heidelberg Engineering has been shortlisted for the coveted Optician Journal’s Optical Supplier of the Year Award. Companies who have reached this stage have been selected on the basis of the rigorous criteria laid out by the journal.

“The panel of judges looks for suppliers to the retail optical business who can demonstrate excellence in service, quality and relationships.”

Attracting entries from a diverse range of companies supplying High Street opticians and supporting the professional skills of optometrists, competition for the title is fierce.

The Heidelberg Engineering team, which provides highly accurate and reproducible OCT and confocal fundus imaging technology, provided details of how the optical professional has been supported with technical and business advice, ongoing world class education, and clinical guidance which is helping to improve the standards of eye care throughout the UK.

Testimonials from Heidelberg Engineering UK customers were a major factor in the company being shortlisted. The regard in which the company is held was demonstrated by comments from the profession.

Mary Bramley, optometrist practice co-owner of Aves Optometrists in Hertfordshire, expressed the view of many,
“Heidelberg Engineering is a great company to work with – we really appreciate their high level of education and training, and the support is excellent. The yearly International SPECTRALIS Symposium is amazing and we have been very privileged to attend two of these events and to have such an insight into the most up-to-date research.”

Jason Rickaby, a Lincoln optometrist practice owner, agreed that the quality and support services provided for the OCT were of paramount importance and three years down the line, he is delighted,
“I was looking for quality and exceptional customer service and this is what I have found.”

Nishit Patel, optometrist practice owner of the Orpington Eyecare Centre, praised the level of support that he receives from Heidelberg Engineering as he prepares to step up his NHS work with more shared care provision,
“I will have a strong clinical focus and so was looking for a good OCT with accurate and consistent scanning. Heidelberg Engineering came highly recommended by medical retinal specialists. With Heidelberg Engineering’s training my support staff will soon be undertaking the acquisition of images.”

Heidelberg Engineering UK Director, Krysten Williams is proud of the very high levels of commitment provided to the optical community by her team
“Every single person who works at Heidelberg Engineering and within our educational academy is genuinely passionate about eye health care and working diligently to improve the level of care in the community - with the ultimate goal of saving peoples’ vision. This is what drives us all at Heidelberg Engineering. We support our customers with every aspect of their business and go far beyond the remit of simply supplying a medical device – a fact which is increasingly recognised throughout the optical community.”

Optrafair is returning to celebrate its 40th anniversary, and will be marking the occasion with exclusives you won’t find at any other show. There will be brand new features as well as the return of some old favourites, covering the entire optical industry for 2018.

New at Optrafair 2018:

• The Independents' Lounge. Increase your networking potential by mixing with a variety of industry experts and suppliers to forge strong business relationships.

• The BCLA Contact Lens Hub. Got questions about contact lens provision? The BCLA will be on hand in a dedicated hub for all of your contact lens needs.

• The Catwalk. Professionally choreographed catwalks will showcase the latest eyewear trends, as well as educate you about trend forecasting, purchasing guidance and show you how to match your customers with a style that suits them.

Back by popular demand:

• CET Theatre

• ABDO CET Theatre

• Business Theatre

• FMO Networking Bar

As well as the exciting features above, Optrafair 2018 also provides you with the chance to earn an unrivalled amount of CET points by taking part in the comprehensive range of lectures, seminars and presentations on offer.

Don't miss out on this exciting content. Register now to secure your free place at the 40th anniversary special of Optrafair by clicking here.

I look forward to seeing you in April at what I know will be an event that will immerse you in the latest clinical thinking, provide sound business advice and allow you to get hands-on with new products and equipment.

Read more about this year's exhibition here.

Primary Health Net are co-media partners for the 3rd time and will be highlighting exhibitors preview pages shortly. The opportunity is free for all exhibitors sending their contribution to mail@primaryhealthnet.com.

The National Community Hearing Association (NCHA) attended the Audiology Hub at 100% Optical in London, 27 to 29 January, to raise the profile of hearing loss and audiology with primary eye care professionals.

In a presentation to primary eye care, NCHA Director of Policy and Strategy Harjit Sandhu explained the impact of hearing loss and encouraged optical professionals to signpost people with hearing difficulties to audiology.

He also outlined common misperceptions about hearing loss and how opticians could help people access hearing care, including by working in partnership with local audiology providers.

A key theme of the weekend, set by speakers at the Audiology Hub, was collaboration between professionals and across sectors. Sector leaders acknowledged how both eye and hearing care professionals are transforming the way they work in order to meet the ageing populations sensory needs and how there was much to gain by working closer together.

NCHA Chief Executive David Hewlett, said:"Too often the hearing sector misses opportunities to increase the profile of hearing loss across primary care. This year, the NCHA is taking the message about the importance of hearing loss as a major public health issue beyond our sector, starting with the professions we know best and where the synergies are clear. We will evaluate the success of this over the summer."

Heidelberg Engineering is inviting optometrists to experience the power of multi-modal imaging with the original SPECTRALIS and the speed and sophisticated simplicity of the SPECTRALIS SPIRIT at Optrafair.

Once again Optrafair will be at the NEC in Birmingham April 14th-16th 2018.

Every SPECTRALIS is instantly recognisable because Heidelberg Engineering builds it with the core DNA needed for confident clinical decision making, allowing you to concentrate on refining your referrals, improving patient care and making a return on your investment.

We at Opchat News will be starting our Optrafair Preview Pages in 2 weeks’ time and as the show's Co-media partners all exhibitors are provided with a free opportunity to publish their promotions.

PKP Optics have been providing extensive glazing services for over 11 years to the profession with its “Total Solution” glazing laboratory providing lenses of choice.

Now it has added another jewel to the crown, namely Swissflex, a uniquely designed concept in eyewear that has worldwide attraction for its totally adaptable bridge and lens designs and specialist temple choices.

It is known as the frame “you cannot feel on”, and with specialist glazing especially within the rimless collection the design provides patients with incomparable comfort.

Matthew Perrett, PKP’s MD explained, “We have worked closely with Swissflex to simplify an extensive range especially for the UK market, providing starter sets for practices to display the many combinations in colour and design that can be demonstrated to patients looking for something different and memorable.”

The NCHA, representing hearing patients and providers in order to achieve better hearing health for all in the local community was making its first presence at 100% Optical this year.

The NCHA was assisting a number of hearing aid service providers exhibiting at 100% in order to broaden the market and improve access to those in need of hearing assistance.

David Hewlett commented on how successful, as a first attempt, the hearing hub has been in highlighting how the two health professions have a symbiotic relationship. It equally being a possibility for Hearing Services to work along side Optometric services in the community and vice versa.

The NCHA has Hewlett said, “are clearly a child of FODO, innovative, forward looking and helpful to all-comers."

A number of Hearing Companies at the show have already signed for next year’s event set for January 12th to 14th 2019.

The help and assistance given in improving patient and customer care is there to provide a support package for the practice and not in any way to create any joint venture or be any invasion of the business ownership.

The concept is to provide support to the “front of house” operations in making every visit a memorable one for the customer.

"The Bespoke partnership provides access to the latest technology so that our partners are able to differentiate themselves further from their competitors and help to attract a younger patient demographic. "siad Lyndsay

They provide services to 123 practices currently and hope to do the same to 10% of the independent market as they add selected practices that fit the proven successful parameters in profile and situation, demographics and high volume business.

"
With quality products, dispensing aids and digital advertising with the aid of ad shell displays and other appropriate local advertising Essilor Bespoke can make a significant difference year on year to a practices footfall and profitability.
With 7 dedicated personnel Essilor Bespoke can assist along the whole patient journey from product positioning and pricing to improving the patients experience by training on site." Said Lyndsey Dickens. Head of Essilor Bespoke.

Optometrists could lose out if they fail to embrace their wider clinical role, said Doug Perkins, co-founder and joint CEO of Specsavers.

Kickstarting a lively debate on the future of where eye healthcare should be in the future, he summarised the pressures facing the NHS and technology disrupters and promised there would be more change in the next 10 years than in the last 30.

With NHS and social care costs creaking, and an increasingly elderly population poised to demand more care with cataracts and AMD, he said the UK needed more resources to screen, diagnose and treat them, and that had to include English optometrists with the right skills, easing the pressure on secondary care ophthalmologists.

“The era of being unpaid for work will come to an end”, he promised. “Let’s have a proper debate on the role of optometry. Collaboration is the answer.

He warned that with vast sums of money being invested in automated refraction and internet dispensing, the traditional business of the high street optician would be challenged. It made sense for practices to offer more clinical roles and evolve into community eye clinics, and support community commissioning.

He said the English model of commissioning was inconsistent, was creating a postcode lottery and was expensive to administer. Scotland and Wales had made far more progress with community optometry services by acting incrementally with clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).

He warned that with Labour and Conservative parties in continuous election mode, the NHS would be a political football with funds going into hospitals, but not into optometry.

“Unless optometrists engage in their full clinical role, they will lose out here. We have to be more proactive and create alliances at all levels.”

Asked about the reality of achieving change in a competitive market, he said: “There has to be a code of conduct that ensures everyone gets fair treatment and fair fees for their work”, said Perkins.

Although they already have 3 Optical and 3 audiology installations in the UK this is the first time that Cosium have shown at a UK trade fair.

With over 7000 installations worldwide they arrive as no young start up company.

Their totally configurable Business Suite Software is web based and can be used on any Windows 7/10 laptop. No wires all on WIFI so you can follow your patient or customer around.

Take stock inventory in a flash with a magic wand picking up unique signal from individual frame as well as bar coding.

The simplicity in set up makes it great for 1 practice or 100+ and its ability to use a dedicated ip address means that head office or worried proprietors on their hols can see live information safely from anywhere.

Alexander Messari, Cosium’ s Development manager was keen to demonstrate how the Cosium Suite can simplify all the needs of the modern busy practice, reduce clutter and improve business. “I love the atmosphere at 100% Optical and we have brought an exciting concept and great stand with fabulous graphics to complement the show.”

Dr Hilary Jones famed by his appearances on Good Morning Britain told us of the may thousands of people who suffer from Chronic Dry eye disease, he being one he said.

“The Body Doctor’s Eye Doctor Moist Heat Eye Compress is simple to use, effective and inexpensive. In my view it is a very good product and I am here today to assist in anyway I can the Body Doctor Company.”

He continued, “I am very impressed with this exhibition, its only been open 1 hour and already the aisles are thronging with people."

" Not all exhibitions are the same and this one has a sense of purpose and feels like its ready for business whilst retaining a sense of fun.”

The Compresses are sold world wide and are constantly being updated to provide genuine relief to dry eye sufferers.

“With the implementation of the GDPR fast approaching, we wanted to make sure we are available for our customers to go through any of their concern or questions,” stated Fergus Murphy, Ocuco’s Sales manager. “It’s also a great opportunity to showcase our software solutions and our integration with OptiCommerce products, all at the one stand.”

As well as providing information on GDPR, Ocuco will be showcasing their flagship PMS product, Acuitas; which manages the entire patient journey from marketing through to appointment, exam, dispense, order collection and recall. Integrated with all types of diagnostic and testing equipment. Automatic validated dispensing, SMS Communications, Business Intelligence, KPI reports and much more. Installed in-store or in the Cloud.

The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers Education Trust continues its Eye to Eye debates at 12.45 on the Sunday at 100% Optical on the main stage.

This year the lecture/debate is titled “Will you be one of the Visionaries of the future playing your part in Team Vision UK?

Four speakers representing Optometry, Dispensing and Contact Lenses, Orthoptics and Ophthalmology will discuss their role in the improvement of sight and how improved interaction between professions and cohesive strategies can achieve better results in the Vision Care of the future.

They will share their stories about what drives them in their own professional work, how they have expanded their competencies and interests in providing a broader service to the public and how working with other primary care professions can improve Vision Care in the future. The debate has been arranged by Bob Hutchinson, President at the RSM on behalf of the SMC Education Trust.

The event will be introduced by the Master of the Spectacle Makers, Felicity Harding (right) and Chaired by a Senior Court Assistant Ian Davies, Vice President Global Professional Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Vision.

Speakers
For Optometry. Lisa Donaldson Clinical lead, optometrist and Head of Eye Health, See Ability

The Clerk and many members of the Livery will be on hand to discuss what membership as a Freeman or Liveryman can offer throughout your career and into retirement. Take a look at the Spectacle Makers Website

In a sign of the growing importance of equipment to the audience expected at 100% Optical Grafton has launched two new major piece of kit at the show.

The Nexy Retinal imaging system and the SBM Sistemi OSA will make a major contribution to retinal and anterior segment investigation. The former improving diagnosis in eyecare retinopathies and the latter will provide more information to assist in judging and grading dry eye.

Exclusively available in the UK through Grafton Optical, Nexy is an automated non-mydriatic retinal camera, c apable of delivering high definition colour images of the ocular fundus with a 45° angle of view.

Nexy can capture images of the fundus oculi with a 45° field-of-view angle, automatically and in less than 15 seconds, requiring no human intervention for mechanical operations. This sensibly reduces the time and energy of technical staff.

The Ocular Surface Analyser (OSA) offers a full assessment of the ocular surface through a combination of tests for dry eye diagnosis, from tear break up time to the tear volume production test.

It allows the analysis of the Meibomian glands, as well as various measurements and classifications according to international grading scales.

The OSA easily and efficiently integrates complex examinations such as meibography and tear film interferometry screening.

Dry Eye is commonly caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). OSA shows the morphological changes in the glandular tissue and the system analysis of images obtained through the sensitive infrared camera (NIR) allows guided evaluation of:

• The presence and distribution of the Meibomian glands in the upper and lower eyelids

• The extension of the area with normal glands

• The percentage of the areas with or without altered glands

• The “absent” and “present” areas of different colour

Meibography, viewing the glands through trans-illumination of the eyelid with infrared light, allows the user to evaluate the morphology and drop out of the Meibomian Glands and to make an accurate MDG diagnosis.

You can see them both on the Grafton stand at 100% Optical and find out more on the PHN preview pages along with many more offers and proposals from exhibiting companies here

Grafton Optical provide sponsorship to PHN and was one of the original supporters who saw the benefit in the provison of independent news provided by Opchat news to the vision sector. Please support them and take a look at their page and links on your website.

The President of the GP with Primary Healthcare Section of the Royal Society of Medicine announced the first of his section's 2-year plan for education, during his term in office.

Bob Hutchinson is the first elected Optometric President of the primary care section at the RSM.

His section this year is taking cognisance of its role in supporting, educating and networking for its broader primary care role.

The RSM is uniquely positioned to accommodate all the professions involved in primary care under one roof situated on the corner of Wimpole Street close to Oxford Circus and Bond Street.

“My section is the largest within the RSM umbrella involving all those working with patients in primary care. GPs, nurses, practice staff, pharmacists, optometrists, physiotherapists and physician associates all play a part in assisting patients within primary care in ensuring the best outcomes for them.”

“The program we have designed takes account of the increasing pressures on those involved in primary care from an expanding age demographic and the growing expectations of both the DoH and the public.” Said Bob Hutchinson.

He continued,” My team has put together a mixed education program throughout the year to appeal to our broad audience and some of the events are specifically aimed at those working in primary care in the community.

"We are all coping with the strain of regulation, time constraints and ethical issues and in a one-day event ,“Surviving and Thriving, a tool kit for the modern day primary care practice,” these issues are addressed in a series of lectures and interactive streams culminating in a drinks and canapes reception to allow networking between professions.”

The day includes a presentation on the forthcoming GDPR data act and how it will affect primary care practices, keeping the team mentally healthy, staying out of court; medicolegal advice, a talk on resilience following the Grenfell fire disaster and a keynote speech from the principal of a Gold Standard GP practice that has within it facilities for minor surgery, cataract and glaucoma clinics and a proposed wet AMD treatment clinic.

At the RSM we always use break out group streams allowing interaction between the professions, and this day is no different with 3 streams to choose from including a patient’s perspective of interacting with primary care workers and the benefits of a team based approach.

“This day has been specifically designed to stimulate thought and ideas that can be taken back to your teams and adjusted to suit your needs. CET has been applied for the day for the optical profession as well as other professions, but this is an opportunity to think outside the box and get a closer look at the whole primary care chain. I hope we can count on support from the vision sector.” Hutchinson said.

The event will be held on April 16th this year, registration commencing at 8.30 am and can be viewed on the RSM website under the GP with Primary healthcare section list of events at https://www.rsm.ac.uk/events/gpk05. Or Click Here

NON RSM members are always invited to all events. Take a look at the RSM site and find out what associate or fellowship membership can provide here.

Easyscan present the Easyscan SLO Scanner at the show on their own dedicated stand this year. Easyscan says that the larger space provided by their own stand allows better one to one demonstrations to show the true benefits of their product.

Easyscan has proven to be a very popular practice builder across Europe and N.America because of its unique ability to be used in every eye examination with no dilation required.

The Easyscan technology allows you to spot changes and abnormalities in their early stages, and their software makes your life easier by providing you with videos and materials that you can use to make the results of the exams easy to explain and easy to understand.

There is so much to see and learn about SLO technology that the Easyscan stand is providing one to one tutorials throughout all 3 days on stand M206 or you can book a time that suits you HERE

Easyscan our sponsors of Opchat News helping us get important messages to the 7500 readership for free and you can find out more by supporting them and visiting their pages here.

Next week, the UK’s biggest names from across optical will be at ExCel, London. 100% Optical is returning for its fabulous fifth year, uniting over 200 exhibitors with 8,000 trade visitors from 27-29 January in what is set to be the largest gathering of the optical community.

Visitors will discover exclusive product launches with hundreds of new and innovative eyewear, lenses, equipment, business services and audiology brands exhibiting at the show and offering special deals.

Cerium’s exclusive launch of the Intuitive Colorimeter™ ‘Curve’ is among the ones not to be missed. Developed in partnership with the University of Essex under a government programme facilitated by Innovate UK, the ‘Curve’ system embodies cutting edge technology, sleek styling, and an innovative digital solution for Colorimetry assessment in the modern practice.

2. 200+ exhibitors showcasing 1,000s of products

100% Optical showcases thousands of new products from over 200 global eyewear, equipment and contact lens brands, reinforcing its position as the leading UK event for eyewear in the UK, hosting more eyewear brands than any other UK show. The show’s impressive line-up of exhibitors include the likes of Tom Davies, Alyson Magee, Lindberg, Optos, Specsavers, Silhouette, Birmingham Optical, Shamir, Andy Wolf, Gotti, Mewscraft, Bausch + Lomb, Hakim Group, Amplify Hearing, William Morris, Zeiss, Sonova, Essilor, De Rigo UK, Lumenis and more.

3. CET & Seminars

Over 100 CET points are available through an inspiring line-up of speakers and workshops delivering a world class education programme designed in association with the AOP, to benefit the whole practice team.

4. Future Practice Hub

New for 2018, the Future Practice Hub provides the opportunity to glance at how practices can evolve in the coming years from a clinical, regulatory and professional perspective. This educational area will offer seminars and workshops with a range of industry leading speakers on subjects from; artificial intelligence on clinical management, the future of imaging and lessons from overseas.

5. Dispensing Workshops

This feature provides a place for visitors to come along and have a go at making frames, working alongside some of the most experienced craftsmen in the business. Visitors will get the chance to see how some of the highest quality frames are produced and get to understand all the processes involved.

6. 100% Audiology

New in 2018, 100% Optical is ahead of the competition with the Audiology section sponsored by Amplify hearing. From medical equipment to consumables, everything you need to offer audiology services in your practice will be available in one easy to navigate space.

7. 20/20 Catwalk Fashion Shows

The 100% Fashion Hub will be returning for 2018, but with a new, exciting and reinvented look. Renamed the 20/20 Catwalk, visitors will be able to source the latest eye care technology, hottest frames in fashion and latest product innovations.

8. Happy Hours & 5th year anniversary party

Visitors could have plenty of networking opportunities with happy hours by Scorpion, Shamir, Cerium, De Rigo and William Morris, plus the central bar. 100% Optical will also host fifth anniversary party and it’s open to all on Saturday between 6-9pm.

9. Optical Academy

New for 2018, visitors will be able to attend the Optical Academy. Positioned at the heart of the Equipment Hall, the Optical Academy will provide the opportunity for visitors to engage with education targeted for the wider practice.

10. RCA design competition

Prototypes of six shortlisted entries will be showcased at 100% Optical as part of a ‘Celebration of Vision’ design competition run in partnership with the Royal College of Art to celebrate the show’s landmark 5th anniversary. The competition winner will be judged and announced on Sunday at 3pm at the Fashion Hub.

100% Optical is free to attend trade show for everyone involved within the optical community. Register Here Now

PHN are once again proud co-media partners of the 100% Fabulous Fifth, read about what's being presented here

100% Optical promises the best show yet with the biggest line-up of optical equipment at the show this year, with suppliers from all over the world coming to celebrate the industry in London.

Their largest collection includes OCT equipment, Intense Pulse Light kit, Precision Contact Lens measurement, and new edging machines from the largest number of high quality equipment companies ever seen at 100%.

The Fabulous Fifth 100% is set to provide the largest and broadest breadth of exhibitors ever under one great modern exhibition hall.

Catwalks, fashion, party times, happy hours all washed down with great CET and a chance to network in London.

Read about many of the exhibitors offers on our preview pages and tak a look at around two hundred companies on the PHN list here

PHN publishers of Opchat News are proud to be once again Co-Media partners of the 100% Optical's Fabulous Fifth.

Pictured the Easyscan SLO Fundus Scanner taking like many a stand for the first time at the 2018 show.

Recognised as the benchmark of excellence in the optical community, the awards showcase the best in achievement, ability and performance. Many people, practices and companies count an Optician Award among their most treasured possessions, and our winners are just like you: dedicated, hardworking and caring players on the optical scene.

This year we are delighted to add two extra categories to the list: The Practice Growth Award and the Leader of the Future Award.

Submit your entry before Monday 15th January for your chance to take the spotlight as we celebrate the stars of the profession.

Six students will showcase work at 100% Optical as part of a ‘Celebration of Vision’ design competition run in partnership with the Royal College of Art to celebrate the show’s landmark 5th anniversary.

The competition winner will be judged and announced during the leading optical event which takes place between 27-29 January 2018 in the UK capital and is set to attract 8,000 visitors.

Ahead of the final, prototypes of the shortlisted designs will be manufactured ready to be displayed in the entrance to the Eyewear Hall at 100% Optical.

Students were asked to respond to the theme of “celebration” using the medium of eyewear. The 14 entries were narrowed down by a judging panel of designers, lecturers and eyewear gurus including Walter Berwick, Lawrence Jenkin, Charlie Ingham and Flora McLean.

Event director Nathan Garnett said, “Due to the anniversary and celebratory nature of this project it’s been a very exciting competition to judge so far and I’d like to congratulate our shortlisted candidates and wish them luck in the final.

“We really hope the competition helps kick-start their eyewear fashion careers like it’s done for so many of our previous entrants.”

The competition has historically bred success stories, with students going on to develop their own eyewear lines and invaluable internships.

Last year's competition winner Becky Hong said “After winning the competition, I gained a large amount of connections within this field and also more knowledge based around the optical industry. I got a chance to learn from scratch and work with Cubitts bespoke eyewear company over summer for a special project. These amazing experiences have given me ideas to build into my plans for the future.”

As part of the brief, students worked with Mazzuchelli and Laes, who provided acetate for the construction of frames, while Tom Broughton from Cubitts ran a masterclass in frame-making. Students were expected to scrutinise the process of creating eyewear, be it protective or to enhance vision. Students were also required to investigate and respond to systems, forms and scientific optical instruments, as well as advanced lens technology.

The six finalists are:

• Clara Chu, Womenswear – Accessories, Year 1 (Right)

• Andrew Bell, Womenswear – Fashion, Year 1
(Left)

• Julia-Kirstin Haus, Womenswear – Fashion, Year 1

(right)

• Carol Muthiga-Oyekunle, Womenswear – Accessories, Year 1
(left)

• Becky Hong, Womenswear – Fashion, Year 2

(Right)

• Ely Cao, Womenswear – Accessories, Year 1
(Left)

And the Judges are:

Walter Berwick

Walter Berwick was the very last apprentice bespoke spectacle framemaker in the UK. Starting in 1962 working with his father Walter he then went on to work for Theadore Hamblin. In 1974, Walter began lecturing at City and East London College where he retired in 2008. Throughout his career Walter has always made numerous bespoke frames and since his retirement has worked with Algha on different bespoke projects. He has been a key figure in producing the Eyewear Design Competition frames and this year, along with being a member of the judging panel.

Flora McLean is a tutor at The Royal College of Art, and the creator of House of Flora. Flora is passionate about British handmade eyewear. She has the experience of her own label, House of Flora, and has designed and manufactured her own haute couture optical range in London.

Charlie Ingham

Head of product at Cubitts where all spectacles are made by hand in the traditional way.